Design + Extras Fashion

A GUIDE TO FINDING YOUR PERFECT BRIDAL LINGERIE

This week I’m moving house, sat surrounded by boxes and having the biggest clear out. My lingerie drawer is a sorry state with the exception of my wedding night ensemble which has been treasured, is still white (everything else that’s supposed to be has turned a shade of grey!) and pristinely wrapped. It took me ages to find the right style so I understand how you brides-to-be can easily wind up stressed and uncomfortable. I’ve roped in the lovely Bridget-Clare, founder of ultimate bridal concierge service Sapphire Pink, to share her expert tips for finding the perfect bridal lingerie. Bridget-Clare’s expert team of stylists specialise in sourcing pretty yet practical underwear to suit a bride’s figure and of course the wedding dress, so let’s get shopping…

Agent Provocateur styles as featured in The Times

FIT

First and foremost get fitted. Most women are wearing the wrong bra size and as a result are not getting the most out of their underwear. Rigby and Peller recommend fittings every 6-12 months as your body changes so should your bras. This is almost always a free service that will make a huge difference!

COLOUR
When choosing the colour of your underwear stay away from very bright whites as these will often show through fabric. Ivory or flesh colours will allow your underwear to seamlessly become part of your dress.
If your dress is made of fine fabric remember that underwear made from materials such as lace could show through and break the softness that the fabric of your dress creates. Lace underwear may also irritate the skin if you are not used to wearing it.

SMOOTH CRIMINAL
Remember that you want to have a smooth silhouette under your gorgeous gown. In keeping with this, consider seamless or control underwear to achieve the ultimate smooth look. There are fabulous specialist convertible bras on the market that are made for strapless or backless dresses. It’s wonderful to have these as a staple in your wardrobe anyway so invest in good quality as they will last you many years.
If you are wearing a strapless neck line remember not to wear a bra with straps in the morning before you put on your wedding dress as the marks on your shoulders may take a few hours to disappear.

Rigby & Peller

THE VA VA VOOM
When considering wearing hold ups or tights think about what you are used to. If you decide to go for hold ups, as they are a lot cooler and make us feel that little bit sexier, make sure you get used to wearing them beforehand. Your wedding day isn’t the time to try anything for the first time, underwear styles included!

If you decide to wear a corset or suspenders make sure that you have a professional fitting. Long gone are the days of whale bone and shallow breathing. Corsets can be very supportive and offer a kind silhouette to your hips and waist. Suspender belts must be worn just below the smallest part of your waist and should fit you as you would want the waist band of your knickers to, neither too loosely or too tight.

WHEN TO SHOP
Leave buying your underwear until the last month or so when you are confident that your weight won’t change. Most brides will lose a few pounds before their big day just through stress and you want your underwear to fit like a glove.

It’s also a good idea to take your dress with you when having your underwear fitted as the lingerie specialists will be able to take into account the delicate fabrics and complicated neck or back lines. Trying the entire ensemble on underneath your dress is essential to ensure that nothing is visible and that everything is comfortable.

DOUBLE UP
Don’t be afraid to have one set of underwear for your wedding day and one set for your wedding night. Practicality and comfort has to play a role in your choice for your dress, while your wedding night choice can express more of your personality.